"Once Upon a High" is a song by SZA from her self-titled album "SZA," released in 2023. The track encapsulates the emotional highs and lows of relationships, exploring the transient nature of happiness and love.
The song delves into the fleeting moments of euphoria experienced in relationships, highlighting the bittersweet realization that such highs are often temporary.
The lyrics of "Once Upon a High" are rich with imagery and emotional depth, reflecting the complexities of love and the ephemeral nature of joy. The repeated phrase "high up on" serves as a central motif, suggesting both a literal and metaphorical state of being elevated by love or perhaps substances. This repetition creates a hypnotic effect, drawing listeners into the intoxicating feelings associated with being in love or experiencing a high.
In the opening lines, SZA establishes a sense of bliss, with the phrase "high up on you" indicating a deep emotional connection to another person. This connection is further emphasized with the repetition of "high up on us," suggesting a shared experience of joy and intimacy. However, as the song progresses, a more reflective tone emerges. The lines "Didn't I tell you a high like this won't last?" introduce a sense of caution and inevitability, acknowledging that such moments of happiness are often fleeting. This duality of joy and impending loss is a recurring theme throughout the song.
The lyrics also touch on the vulnerability that comes with love. Phrases like "So I'm the fool, you could make it" reveal a sense of self-awareness and perhaps regret, as SZA grapples with the idea of being emotionally exposed. The acknowledgment of potential wastefulness in relationships, as expressed in the line "Be a shame we're just gonna waste it," adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that while the highs are exhilarating, they can also lead to feelings of disappointment and loss.
The chorus, with its repetitive affirmations of being 'high up,' creates a dreamy atmosphere that contrasts with the more sobering reflections in the verses. This juxtaposition captures the essence of love: it can be both uplifting and heart-wrenching. The concluding lines, which echo the earlier sentiments of caution, reinforce the idea that while these moments of euphoria are cherished, they are also understood to be temporary. Overall, the song encapsulates the bittersweet nature of love, celebrating the highs while acknowledging their impermanence.